Reilly not running for McHenry mayor

By JANE HUH - jhuh@shawmedia.com

McHENRY – A resident who planned to run for mayor is dropping out, leaving two candidates, so far, to square off in April’s election.

Jack Reilly, a critic of the city’s current administration, said he would be more effective in shaping city affairs as a citizen. He served for five years with the McHenry Police Department’s volunteer Citizens Police program. He’s also been active in the city’s Adopt-A-Street program.

“I feel I can be more [effective] outside city government in a concerned citizen capacity, not restricted by politics, business as usual and cover-ups,” Reilly said in a statement.

The filing deadline for the petitions for candidacy is Wednesday at City Hall, 333 Green St. in McHenry.

The race remains contested with Steven Cuda poised to challenge Mayor Sue Low’s bid for re-election. The city’s mayoral race has not been contested for at least a decade.

Low has been mayor since she was appointed in 2003 by her predecessor, Pam Althoff, now a state senator.

Voters in the April 9 election also will elect aldermen in three wards. Incumbents Victor Santi, Ward 1, Jeffrey Schaefer, Ward 3, and Richard Wimmer, Ward 5, are seeking re-election. As of Friday, Schaefer stands as the only alderman with a challenger. Laura Stanton has filed to run for Ward 3 alderwoman, according to the city clerk’s office.

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